Mid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politics

What the West Gets Wrong About China — with Professor Zhiqun ZhuHas the West become so preoccupied with the process of government that it has forgotten its purpose?After a visit to Shanghai challenged his assumptions about China, Mid Atlantic’s host sits down with Professor Zhiqun Zhu, professor of political science and international relations and director of the China Institute at Bucknell University, to explore the country behind the headlines.Their conversation examines the tensions between economic opportunity and political control, the survival of Deng Xiaoping’s pragmatism under Xi Jinping, and why prosperity and stability matter to the Communist Party’s legitimacy. Zhu also considers whether America’s anxiety about China stems from ideological differences or the prospect of losing its dominant position.The discussion turns to Taiwan, competing claims in the South China Sea, and Zhu’s prediction that Washington would support Taiwan without entering a direct war with Beijing.Throughout, one question connects the conversation: can two competing superpowers recognise each other’s interests without allowing rivalry to become confrontation?A discussion about what China wants, how the West understands it, and where cooperation remains possible.

Is Labour’s recovery the start of a lasting political change, or another short honeymoon?Roifield Brown welcomes regular commentator Leah Brown back to Mid Atlantic for a warm, lively look at a turbulent fortnight in UK politics. From Andy Burnham’s appeal and Labour’s Holborn and St Pancras victory to Kemi Badenoch’s Conservative pitch, the Greens’ conference controversy and Nigel Farage’s asylum proposals, they ask who is rebuilding trust with voters.Roifield sees signs that the established parties are recovering; Leah is less convinced that Britain is heading back to two-party politics. They also discuss public ownership, inheritance tax and the risks of reopening the European debate.Expect friendly disagreements, serious questions and a brief diversion into the merits of wearing slippers inside wellies.

Philippe Marlière, Professor of French and European Politics at University College London, joins Roifield Brown in conversation to examine the tensions shaping French politics.They explore the polarisation between Marine Le Pen’s far right and Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s radical left, the argument that France’s electorate has shifted to the right, and what that could mean in a hypothetical presidential run-off between the two.The discussion also addresses disturbing accounts of flash-ball injuries, including a school student losing an eye, highlighting the human stakes of France’s social tensions.After 14 years of conversation, Mid-Atlantic is now on YouTube and Substack too. Follow, subscribe and join the debate.

Can English football enforce its rules when the stakes include Gulf wealth, political influence and Britain’s relationship with the UAE?On Mid Atlantic, Roifield Brown is joined by John Gunnison in Dublin and Tonye Altrade in London to explore the Manchester City controversy. John, a City supporter who spent eight years living in Abu Dhabi, offers an insider’s perspective on the emirate’s ambitions. Arsenal supporter Tonye examines the consequences for rival clubs and the credibility of English football.They debate the financial allegations, which City denies, the blurred boundaries between royal wealth and state power, and whether investment in Manchester risks becoming political protection.From relegation to a change of ownership, what would meaningful accountability look like—and who should bear the consequences?A passionate discussion about football, fairness and whether the beautiful game has become too valuable to govern.

What does a ceasefire mean when Palestinians are still being killed—and what future can a people build when their homes and land keep disappearing?Roifield Brown welcomes Palestinian analyst Mouin Rabbani back to Mid Atlantic for a searing examination of Gaza, the occupied West Bank and the politics behind the promises of peace. Rabbani argues that Trump’s Board of Peace risks entrenching foreign control, that settlement expansion is dismantling the foundations of Palestinian statehood, and that replacing Netanyahu may offer Palestinians little meaningful change.From Hamas and Mahmoud Abbas’s failing leadership to the E1 settlement project, Israeli elections and international accountability, this conversation asks who holds power—and who pays the price. Can growing global solidarity become political action, or will “peace” remain a word that conceals dispossession?

Roifield Brown is joined by Logan Phillips, founder of Race to the White House, to ask whether America is heading for a historic Democratic blue wave in the 2026 midterms.They explore how frustration over living costs, healthcare and the Iran war is shaping the election, why races in Iowa and Kansas are suddenly competitive, and what Democratic control of the House and Senate could mean for Donald Trump’s final two years. Can Democrats turn voter dissatisfaction into victory—and an effective check on presidential power?

The episode discusses Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push to reduce Canada’s economic dependence on the United States after escalating tensions with Donald Trump, including tariffs and repeated comments threatening Canadian sovereignty such as calling Canada a “51st state” and referring to Canadian prime ministers as governors. Carney toured Europe and proposed a broad Canada–Europe “alliance for the future” spanning defense, energy, critical minerals, AI, research, and digital trade; Ursula von der Leyen floated the idea of Canada as the EU’s first associate member. An Abacus Data poll shows 81% support closer integration with Europe while staying outside the EU (49% support full membership). The conversation explores whether this is durable strategy or reaction to Trump, the complexities of adopting EU rules, Canadian protectionism (dairy, poultry, forestry), internal political and constitutional hurdles, and how Carney’s popularity has reshaped Canadian politics and weakened Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s path forward.00:00 Canada Turns to Europe01:37 Canadians React to EU Idea02:27 Trump Threats and Sovereignty05:08 Is the Rift Permanent07:06 Who Opposes Integration09:06 Carney Middle Powers Strategy11:51 EU Rules and Trade Frictions15:34 Associate Membership Hurdles17:30 Carney Reshapes Politics20:24 Carney and Liberal Leadership22:03 Wrap Up and Farewell

Is the pressure on Donald Trump turning into a political backlash and is America ready for an even bigger upheaval?On this episode of Mid Atlantic, Roifield Brown joins Mike Donahue in Las Vegas to discuss the Iran war, rising fuel prices and Democratic hopes ahead of November’s midterms. Mike argues that household finances are doing more to erode Trump’s support than outrage over his conduct, while questioning whether Republican dissent amounts to a meaningful break with the president.Then the conversation turns to artificial intelligence and a sharp disagreement over whether its development should slow down. From cybersecurity and national competition to mass unemployment and concentrated wealth, Roifield and Mike explore two possible futures: shared prosperity or a society where millions survive on the margins. Can politicians prepare for the changes ahead, or will they act only once the damage is done?

Does American liberty depend on God, and what happens when the country’s actions contradict its founding ideals?On this episode of Mid Atlantic, Roifield Brown welcomes author, West Point graduate and former Army officer Randy DeSoto to discuss the updated edition of We Hold These Truths. DeSoto argues that God-given rights and divine providence have shaped America’s defining moments. Roifield challenges that interpretation through the history of slavery, Indigenous dispossession and the gap between the Declaration of Independence’s promise of equality and its practice.The conversation moves from the religious convictions of America’s founders to abortion, Donald Trump’s character and the moral compromises of his Christian supporters. It culminates in a passionate exchange over evangelical support for Israel, Palestinian rights and the destruction in Gaza. A robust but civil encounter between sharply different worldviews, asking whether faith provides a consistent moral standard, and whose liberty gets defended when belief meets political power.